Sorry it’s only been tumbleweeds around here all winter. I’ve been really uninspired lately, and have been using up most of my creative juices at work. But AraabMuzik deserves a post. I’ve tweeted about the cat before, but I happened to show some co-workers a AraabMuzik video today and figured I would share it here too. Quick wiki rundown. Abraham Orellana, better known as AraabMuzik is a hip hop producer with superhuman MPC skillz. A MPC is a touch triggered drum machine that deploys sound “samples” like a snare drum clap when hit. AraabMusik’s ability to compose and preform such complex and rhythmic beats is surreal.
Even if you’re not into hip hop you can appreciated the sheer technical skill, dexterity, and lightening fast composition in the video below.
Director Yoonha Park has produced a beautiful music video for Washed Out’s first single off of Within And Without. The video follows a modern day Jack Kerouac exploring the idyllic and rugged landscape of Iceland. It’s been a good year for sophomore albums from the Chillwave pantheon.
There have been a lot of really great albums released this year and SBTRKT’s debut album has been a personal fave and in heavy rotation since its June release. IMO it’s much more dancey and equally as rich and complex as the debut album fellow producer extrodinarie James Blake. The video above was directed by Tim Brown and produced by Johnny Knight. The video’s centerpiece is the wonderfully styled Roses Gabor shot simultaneously from all angles in a masterfully elegant concept and execution. I also really liked how SBTRKT’s mask theme carries into the video.
Check this out. These guys over in Venice Beach got a big ol’ van, tricked it out, and started inviting local bands to play in it. Thus, Jam in the Van was born. They’ve already had 20-ish different bands rock out in the van, some of which are pretty well known in the LA music scene, all in under four months! But our pal Johnny and his band The Muddy Reds had the distinct honor of playing the very first set in the van. They killed it (as always), and I thought y’all might enjoy hearing a couple songs from their set.
Also, if you’re interested, The Muddy Reds are playing with a few other bands at the Bootleg on Friday night. The Bootleg is a rad little venue (we saw Broken Bells there!) and there’s no better way to end the week than by dancing to some loud, fast rock n’ roll.
Say what you want about Panda Bear’s much anticipated Tomboy LP and whether AnCo is trying too hard, but this music video for Surfer’s Hymn is rad. I’ve never thought about mixing black light tricks with black and white film.
Here are four fresh and breezy unsigned bands for you to fall in love with while soaking in some early summer rays over the weekend. Thoughts? Do you think any of them have a chance to go mainstream?
Kickoff the weekend with a free, 6 song, EP of covers by GBM approved, neo-soul crooner Mayer Hawthorne! Download Impressions here. Peep Mayer’s track by track descriptions over on Stones Throw.
I’m intrigued by self professed “dream pop” artist Chelsea Jade aka Watercolours of New Zealand. Not a lot of info out there on her, but I’d love to hear more.
In case the post’s title wasn’t clear, this Saturday is Record Store Day. Since 2007, the third saturday of April has been deemed a celebration of independent record stores in the US and around the world. RSD has been building heat year after year as more and more recording artists join the cause with in-store performances and special edition vinyl albums and singles releases – often with new material. For RSD 2K11, artists like Radiohead (w/ 2 new songs), Fleet Foxes, Beastie Boys, Death Cab, and many many more all have records showing up in shops. Check out the full list of releases here.
I’ll be in Mexico house building on Saturday, so I doubt I’ll be able to partake in the festivities, but I hope you do!
For all the latest news, your best bet is probably to check out the official RDS Twitter account
